DPS Urges Texans to Prepare Early for Hurricane Season

The Texas Department of Public Safety is informing residents about the upcoming hurricane season and advising individuals to begin preparing now for any possible storms. Hurricane season begins June 1st and continues through November 30th.

DPS Director Steven McCraw said, “One of the best defenses against the destructive – and potentially deadly – power of a hurricane or tropical storm is early and adequate preparation, and Texans should start taking precautions now for the 2014 hurricane season.” He said, “Although residents living along the Texas coast are the most vulnerable, storms can disrupt and endanger the lives of residents throughout the state.”

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Because the strongest winds in a hurricane are not located precisely at the center, it is possible for a storm to affect conditions over land even if landfall does not occur.

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and areas several hundred miles inland, and winds can exceed 155 miles per hour. In addition, hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes, create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from flooding.